MBPR’s March webinar, Agents: Unclassified, featured agents Eric Smith (P.S. Literary) and Jennie Goloboy (Donald Maass), alongside Mari Kesselring, a former acquiring editor and a current publishing manager (Girl Friday Productions). The panel shared insightful information about career paths, agent services, and best practices for managing relationships with (and between) authors and publishers.

Eric Smith is a literary agent with P.S. Literary and has worked on New York Times bestselling and award-winning books. His recent novels include the YALSA Best Books for Young Readers selection Don’t Read the Comments (Inkyard Press, 2020), You Can Go Your Own Way (Inkyard Press, 2021), and the anthology Battle of the Bands (Candlewick, 2021), co-edited with award-winning author Lauren Gibaldi. His latest book, Jagged Little Pill: The Novel, was written with Alanis Morissette, Academy Award-winner Diablo Cody, and Glen Ballard, and is an adaptation of the Grammy and Tony award-winning musical.

Jennie Goloboy is a literary agent at the Donald Maass Literary Agency, specializing in science fiction and fantasy, and history for a popular audience. She’s also a writer, and her most recent book, Obviously, Aliens, was published by local press, Queen of Swords. 

Mari Kesselring has more than a decade of experience in publishing. She started her career editing educational books for young people and guidebooks for early childhood educators. From 2016 to 2021, she managed the Flux and Jolly Fish Press imprints for independent publisher North Star Editions, acquiring and editing young adult and middle grade fiction. Mari has edited several award-winning books, including Before We Were Blue, Surrender Your Sons, and The Art of Running Away. Currently, Mari works for Girl Friday Productions, helping authors achieve their dream of publication.

Members can listen to the full panel discussion in the Resources area on MBPR website.